Any S&W gurus here?

MuthaFunk

MuthaFunk

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While I'm anctiously waiting to get my first revolver in the mail I'm doing research and have come across some questions on Smith & Wesson forged triggers / hammers vs MIM. The model I bought apparently has forged hammer and trigger but from what I read on the S&W forums there's lots of misinformation about what's what and how to tell them apart.

How can I verify what parts are installed on my particular S&W when I get it?
 
First I'll start by saying dont worry about it, if you are. All that talk is just internet fear mongering by the ignorant. There is absolutely nothing wrong with MIM parts for most applications as long as they're correctly designed and produced. Same with the internal lock most likely present on your new gun; a lot of negativity has been written, but the number of confirmed failures is negligible compared to the number of guns made.

My advice is forget about the internet talk, go shoot, and enjoy. I'm sure you've purchased a quality firearm that will last a very long time. If you want to know for the sake of knowing more details on model and -# would be helpful.
 
Guns with MIM hammers all have the frame-mounted firing pin instead of hammer-mounted. The exception to this are the rimfire models, which have always had the firing pin in the frame. Triggers that appear hollow when viewed from the rear are MIM.

If you pull the sideplate, the differences are much more obvious:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...-if-innards-interchangable.html#post135785252

The MIM parts look a little chintzy, but they function just fine.
 
I generally prefer older S&W revolvers with the forged case hardened hammers and triggers.

There is nothing wrong with the newer MIM ones though, my preference for the older ones is more
for the better fit and finish of pre-lock revolvers.

Look for the model number inside the frame when you open the cylinder.
 
The model I bought is the 686-6 Talo 7" with unfluted cylinder and according to many US online retailers, forged hammer / trigger. All the pics I've seen and various statements online like "if it's not a hammer mounted firing pin it's MIM" would indicate the parts are not forged.

I just want to be able to tell when I get it. There's a link on the S&W forum where folks debate the blanket statement about the frame mounted firing pins indicating the hammer is MIM. No real answer there. I was just curious how I may be able to tell once I have it in hand.
 
tjhaile said:
Guns with MIM hammers all have the frame-mounted firing pin instead of hammer-mounted. The exception to this are the rimfire models, which have always had the firing pin in the frame. Triggers that appear hollow when viewed from the rear are MIM.

If you pull the sideplate, the differences are much more obvious:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...-if-innards-interchangable.html#post135785252

The MIM parts look a little chintzy, but they function just fine.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link!!
 
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